Startup Hustle Inspires MySafeHorse Entreprenuer who Launches Business in Makerspace

Myk Powell benefited from Hacker Lab’s Startup Hustle program offered in fall 2017 and is now building his business out of the co-working space at Hacker Lab Powered by Sierra College in Rocklin, CA.

If you are serious about your startup, Hacker Lab is serious about helping you.

Powell had an idea to create a system for horse owners who wanted to monitor what was going on in the barn when he signed up for the eight week Startup Hustle, co-sponsored by Sierra Makerspaces. “Going through the Startup Hustle program reminded me how important it is to identify your customers, understand the problems that they face and explain your unique solutions to addressing their challenges,” said Powell.

Powell and his wife Roberta indicated that boarding their horses generated the idea for a monitoring system. “The goal of MySafeHorse is to develop a reliable, portable and effective monitoring system that allows horse owners everywhere to know at any given time what is happening with their horses,” said Powell.

Startup Hustle enabled Powell to fine-tune his idea. “We’ve developed a horse-proof camera and portable video camera that clients can use in the stable, on the road, at shows or at the track,” said Powell. “Using artificial intelligence, the system can recognize problems and send owners alerts. Additionally, through facial recognition, MySafeHorse keeps track of who interacts with the horse.”

I developed prototypes by accessing tools at Hacker Lab in Rocklin and working with other members to refine the design.

Powell benefited from the entrepreneurial resources available through Sierra Makerspaces partner, Hacker Lab Powered by Sierra College. “Startup Hustle provided a path to success and helped us move forward quickly,” said Powell. “If you are serious about your startup, Hacker Lab is serious about helping you. Additionally, I benefited from being able to develop prototypes by accessing tools at Hacker Lab in Rocklin and working with other members to refine the design. I would definitely recommend Hacker Lab and Startup Hustle to budding entrepreneurs.”

Since completing Startup Hustle, Powell has leased a larger office space at Hacker Lab in Rocklin and hired team members, as well finalized the product. “Dan Casas-Murray has continued to be a resource for us,” said Powell. “For instance, he helped me focus on defining our Minimal Viable Product and finalize it so we could get MySafeHorse to market.”

MySafeHorse is currently taking pre-orders, explained Powell. “In the past few months, we developed the proprietary modules, hired technical experts and expect to ship products in the next month or so,” said Powell. “The next step is seeking funding so we can go to scale quickly to meet the anticipated demand.”

Hacker Lab Powered by Sierra College in Rocklin attracts many student members who Powell hopes to employ as the company grows. “We’ve already got some Sierra College graduates on the team,” said Powell. “Working with Sierra College and Golden Sierra Job Training Agency, we anticipate helping students gain career experience while contributing to our growing company.”

The next Startup Hustle pre-events begin on March 8, 2018 and the eight session weekly program starts March 15 with the pitch night scheduled for May 10. Students are encouraged to apply. Sessions will be offered at both Hacker Lab in Midtown Sacramento and at Hacker Lab Powered by Sierra College in Rocklin. The investment is $49 for Sierra College students, $149 for Hacker Lab members and $199 for non-members. Sign up at the Startup Hustle website.

This website and all activities are conducted by the Innovation Maker 3 grant (16-203-001) funded in part by the Chancellor's Office, California Community Colleges and administered by the Sierra Joint Community College District.